DNA TESTING WITH HAIR
In situations where traditional cheek swab DNA testing isn’t feasible, our Hair DNA Testing service offers a reliable alternative. Utilizing a simple hair sample, our advanced genetic analysis can provide accurate and confidential results for various purposes, including paternity, sibling and grandparent verification. Learn how our non-invasive Hair DNA Testing process works below.
What is DNA testing using hair?
This is a forensic test using hair follicle samples to help determine a biological relationship between an alleged father and child,between siblings and grandparents with grandchild.
Testing Options
Paternity Testing with Hair: This testing option helps to determine biological relationship between father and and child.
Sibling Testing with Hair: This testing option helps to determine a biological relationship between two sibling
Grandparent Testing with Hair: This testing option helps to determine a biological relationship between grandparents and grandchild.
How much does Hair DNA Testing cost?
The cost for a Home Hair DNA test starts $299.99. Click the button below to purchase now.
Sample Collection Requirements
For successful DNA extraction, all hair samples must meet these criteria:
- Each strand must have a root (visible as a white spec at the bottom)
- 8-10 hair strands are required per person
- Samples should be collected using tweezers from the scalp or body
- Hair must be pulled, not cut (cut hair lacks the necessary follicle)
- Samples can be collected from brushes or combs if necessary.
Important Note:
Due to the New York State Dept of Health guidelines residents of New York State are unable to purchase this or any Home DNA Test.
We prioritize your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information.
Home DNA Collection Kit Items
When you purchase a home test kit from IDTO DNA Testing Center, the following items will be included:
- Chain of Custody Form: This form allows you to list the names of the parties involved in your DNA paternity test.
- Cheek Swab Packet: Includes one cheek swab for collecting DNA samples. You will need to provide hair follicle samples as well.
- Sample Collection Envelopes: For securely storing and sending your samples.
- Sample Collection Instructions: Detailed steps on how to collect your samples properly.
- Pre-Paid Return Envelope: For shipping your samples back to the lab at no additional cost.
How should hair samples be collected?
Hair follicle samples being used for paternity testing purposes need to be pulled from the scalp or another area of the body. Cutting hair does not have the follicle (root) therefore lab will not be able to process your hair sample being that the follicle is part of the hair strand used for the lab to extract a DNA profile.
What To Expect From The Process:
Step 1.
Click here to purchase a kit online or contact our office at 888-204-0583 to purchase an IDTO Home Hair DNA test kit.
Step 2.
After you purchase your kit, the kit will be shipped within 24 hours of purchase.
Step 3.
Once you receive your Home DNA test kit. Please read and follow the instructions carefully.
Step 4.
After you collect your samples and complete the chain of custody form. Place all of the items inside your prepaid return shipping envelope going back to the lab.
Step 5.
When all samples arrive at the laboratory testing will begin. The average turnaround for your results will be 2 to 3 days.
Step 6.
Upon the completion of your results, a copy of your results will sent to your home and a copy will be sent to your email.
Results Turnaround Time
The average turnaround time for results to be completed is 2 to 3 business days from the date the lab received all DNA samples. Upon the completion of your test, a copy will be emailed to you and another copy will mailed to your home
Testing Accuracy
The accuracy of the hair follicle paternity test will depend on the quality of the hair sample. If the hair samples are kept in good condition. There’s over 90% chance the lab will be able to produce a genetic profile that can be compared to the other person.
In the event, the conditions of the hair samples were kept are less than ideal. There is a 50% chance that the sample will be degraded.
Please note, If your circumstance allows the most effective way to collect DNA samples is cheek swab samples. Hair samples can be an effective option under certain circumstances but are not as effective as cheek swab samples.
Privacy
- Information Sharing: All information collected during the DNA testing process will remain confidential. We will not share any data with third-party agencies without obtaining explicit consent from the parties involved.
- Sample Disposal: Your DNA specimens will be securely destroyed within 30 to 60 days after testing is completed, ensuring that your genetic information is not retained longer than necessary.
Your trust is important to us, and we take every measure to safeguard your privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can hair specimens be used for all parties involved with my DNA test?
Yes. It is possible to submit hairs samples for two or more people involved with your Hair DNA Test.
Can hair DNA tests be used legally?
Yes, there is a circumstance in which hair could be used for legal purposes. To perform a legal paternity test using hair the circumstance would have to exist where on of the participants is deceased.
Hair samples will have to be in the possession of the funeral home, medical examiner, or coroner’s office. Usually when we are faced with this type of request. A judge had issued a court order for paternity testing to take place with hair.
Please note, If for any reason the hair follicle samples are not collected and stored by a medical facility or funeral home. The hair samples cannot be used for legal purposes only for peace of mind use only.
Can you get DNA from hair without the root?
For relationship testing, DNA analysis from hair strands is most effective when the root is present. This is because the root contains nuclear DNA, which is essential for accurately determining biological relationships. Without the root, only mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), found in the hair follicle, is available.
While mtDNA can be used for some types of analysis, it is not as efficient for establishing biological relationships due to its different inheritance pattern (passed down solely from mothers to all their children, rather than the mixed inheritance of nuclear DNA).
Can my hair samples be DNA tested without my permission?
The answer to whether your hair samples can be DNA tested without your permission depends on several factors, which is outlined below. Please note that laws and regulations may vary across states and cities.
General Principles:
- Informed Consent: In most jurisdictions, DNA testing of human biological samples, including hair, requires informed consent from the individual from whom the sample was taken. This means you should be aware of the testing, its purpose, and provide explicit consent.
- Ownership and Control: You generally have ownership and control over your biological samples, including hair. This implies that others should not test your hair samples without your permission.
Currently, there are no law we are aware of specifically addressing DNA samples being used without consent. We do recommend that you check your state laws to ensure state compliance.